Cape Flats Aquifer Recharge Project praised by Minister Macpherson

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has praised the Cape Flats Aquifer Recharge Project as a groundbreaking model for municipal infrastructure. During a site visit at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2026, Macpherson indicated he would like other municipalities to replicate the project's approach to infrastructure budgeting and service delivery.

Commissioned in response to the Cape Town water crisis, the project utilizes a water treatment plant with four linear filtration buildings to recharge the aquifer. Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) identifies the initiative as a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) 19 Water and Sanitation project. The project aims to bolster long-term water security, support sustainable urban growth, and improve the quality of life for residents in the City of Cape Town.

The City of Cape Town is currently on track to complete the project on schedule. Macpherson highlighted the innovative use of an outsourced maintenance model involving the private sector to ensure the delivery of clean and reliable water. He also expressed concern regarding municipalities returning funds to the Treasury instead of utilizing those resources for essential service delivery.